Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is internal radiotherapy. A temporary applicator or small radioactive source is positioned in a body cavity, tissue or another planned treatment site. Imaging and computer planning help the team shape the dose around the target while limiting exposure to nearby organs. Depending on the cancer, the source may be removed after treatment or small seeds may remain in place.

The team confirms the target with examination and imaging, then plans the applicator position and radiation dose. Anaesthesia or sedation may be used. An applicator is placed, and an afterloader can move the source into position for the planned time. You remain under observation while the source is active; temporary sources are removed before discharge unless your team explains otherwise.

Side effects depend on the treated area. Tiredness, local soreness, bleeding, urinary changes or bowel irritation can occur, as can skin or vaginal irritation. Some effects appear later because nearby tissues may react after radiation. Contact the treatment team promptly for heavy bleeding, inability to pass urine, severe pain, fever, new bowel symptoms or breathing difficulty.

Brachytherapy is an established option for selected cancers and can deliver a concentrated dose to a planned target. Outcomes depend on cancer type, stage, tumour position, dose, other treatments and general health. Your specialist can explain the aim in your case, such as treating the tumour, reducing recurrence risk or controlling symptoms; no treatment can promise a particular result.

Treatment may be temporary or involve seeds that remain. The radiation team gives precise instructions about activity, hygiene, contact with others and follow-up based on the source used.

It may be used for selected cervical, womb, vaginal, prostate and eye cancers, and for some childhood eye tumours. Suitability depends on the tumour's location, size and access, plus prior treatment and nearby organ tolerance. The multidisciplinary team compares this option with other approaches.

First, the team reviews scans and prepares you for anaesthesia or positioning. Next, the applicator or implant is placed and checked with imaging. A treatment plan is calculated, the source is delivered, and staff monitor you afterward. Follow-up checks assess healing, symptoms and the cancer response.

You may have local discomfort, tiredness or discharge after treatment. Follow the service's instructions about bathing, sex, exercise and travel because advice differs by treatment site and source. Keep every follow-up appointment so late effects can be identified and managed early.

Risks include discomfort from placement, bleeding, infection and irritation or injury to nearby organs. Previous radiotherapy, surgery and other medical conditions can affect risk. Ask which symptoms are expected and which should lead to same-day advice.

External beam radiotherapy, surgery, systemic cancer medicines or symptom-focused care may be considered alone or in combination. The choice depends on the tumour and treatment goal. For some prostate cancers, prostate removal surgery is another local treatment option.

Choose a radiation oncology service with medical physics, imaging, anaesthesia and specialist nursing support. Ask who will plan the dose, what preparation is needed, how radiation safety is managed and when follow-up will occur.